Equity release could provide a way to unlock property wealth without having to move from your home or make repayments. As a result, it could be a valuable way to boost your retirement income or fund one-off expenses later in life.

The most common form of equity release is known as a lifetime mortgage. The amount you owe, along with any interest accrued, is rolled up and repaid when you die or move into long-term care.

You can choose to access a single lump sum through a lifetime mortgage, but another popular option is drawdown. Drawdown ...

From 6 April 2027, many unused pension pots will be included in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations.

Since the government announced the change in the 2024 Autumn Budget, an increasing number of people have opted to withdraw their tax-free lump sum from their pension as soon as they can.

Currently, you can access your pension from age 55 (rising to 57 from April 2028). According to MoneyWeek (9 April 2026), the number of 55-year-olds taking their lump sum reached a five-year high in 2024/25.

However, while many people may be hoping to red...

Retirement is a significant life transition. Some of the financial habits that served you well during your working life might no longer suit your retirement lifestyle.

Sticking to your current financial habits could mean you miss out on opportunities to enjoy your retirement, or even mean you risk using up your savings too soon. Read on to find out why.

The shift to depleting assets can be difficult for some retirees to manage

As you retire, you’ll often move away from earning an income and building wealth towards depleting your assets...

Rental reform under the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. For landlords, it represents a significant change, so if you already have a property portfolio or are considering purchasing buy-to-let properties, it’s important to be aware of the reforms.

The policy reforms are lengthy and cover a lot of areas, with further additions expected in the next few years. Here are five key changes to be aware of when managing your properties.

Please note that the Renters’ Rights Act does not fully apply to properties in Scotland, Wale...

On 8 May 2026, Sir David Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday.

A longtime protector of and advocate for our planet’s wildlife, even in older age, he maintains a profound passion for nature and a drive to change the world for the better.

Over the years, he has imparted his wisdom, worldviews, and personal philosophy through our radios and television screens.

Inspired by his own words, here are five lessons you can learn from David Attenborough on how to live a more rewarding, longer life.

1. Find your purpose in life

“The whole...

The number of people celebrating their 100th birthday in the UK is on the rise. As life expectancy continues to increase, it is more important than ever to plan financially for a 100-year life.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 16,600 centenarians in 2024 – double the number in 2004 (21 October 2025).

Among those marking the milestone this year is the renowned natural historian Sir David Attenborough. The broadcaster turned 100 on 8 May, and he continues to share his passion for nature with the world.

Att...

Fewer than 1 in 5 UK adults are “adequately” protected from health and financial shocks, according to Cover Magazine (4 March 2026). This means families could be more vulnerable to shocks and face the consequences of being unable to meet financial commitments.

A financial or health shock could have long-term implications for your finances. For example, if you’re unable to work due to an accident, your income might stop. In turn, you may not be able to make mortgage repayments and could risk losing your home.

Yet, many people put off taki...

When your mortgage deal expires, rather than diving straight into finding a new deal, take some time to review these seven key numbers first.

1. The number of years on your mortgage term

Start by looking at how many years you have left on your mortgage term. This will help you calculate how your repayments might change when taking out a new deal.

You don’t have to keep the current number of years left when you take out a new deal. You might choose to extend it, which would lower your repayments but mean you pay more interest overall, or...

Women in the UK are falling behind on their pension savings. Pensions Age (February 2026) reports that women aged 30 to 45 have £36,000 less saved for retirement than men, on average.

Numerous factors are contributing to this gender pension gap. Not only are women paid 14.9% less than men on average, but they’re also more likely to take career breaks due to caring commitments, according to the TUC (March 2023).

However, a study cited by Pensions Age suggests that a “fear of getting it wrong” could also be holding some women back from eng...